CBS 5 exposes more state lawmakers benefiting from own bills

Keeping Arizona politicians honest and holding them accountable - that's the focus of a CBS 5 investigation that's exposing some state leaders for proposing laws that could put money in their own pockets.

CBS 5 recently read through hundreds of bills and researched the backgrounds of every House member and state senator.

CBS 5 found a number of legislators who have sponsored bills that would directly impact their own business or organization.

Rep. David Stevens works for a defense contractor, but still sponsored a bill that would change the way corporations pay taxes in Arizona, something that could directly benefit his company.

Sen. Rich Crandall works for a company that oversees school menus across the state, yet sponsored a bill that allows schools to opt out of federal lunch programs.

Rep. Sally Ann Gonzales and her husband work in tribal government, yet sponsored a bill that would involve revenue sharing with Indian tribes.

Rep. Rick Gray's wife is an administrative assistant to a pastor, yet Gray sponsored a bill that would provide property tax exemptions for religious properties.

Rep. Steve Montenegro is the treasurer of a youth ministry who also sponsored a bill to expand tax exemptions for religious properties.

It's important to point out that lawmakers are not doing anything illegal under the state's current guidelines for conflict of interest.

However, some state leaders are pushing for changes, but so far, all proposed rule changes have received little support.

Montenegro told CBS 5 that he is a volunteer with his church and the bill he sponsored would in no way affect him or the religious group he represents.